d out from my retreat and went with him
into the woods.

I have been as you know a midnight wanderer in that same place many a
time in my life; but never did I leave the fields and meadows with
such a foreboding dread, or step into the clustering shadows of the
forest with such a shrinking and awe-struck heart. Yet I went on
without a pause or an instant of hesitation, for I knew now where he
was going, and if he were going to the old stone house I was
determined to be his companion, or at least his watcher. For I knew
now that I loved him and could never see him come to ill.

There was no moon at this time, but the sound of his steps guided me
and when I had come into the open place where the stars shone I saw by
the movement which took place in the shadows lying around the open
door of the old house, that he was near the fatal threshold and would
in another moment be across it and within those mouldy halls. That I
was right, another instant proved, for suddenly through the great
hollow of the open portal a mild gleam broke and I saw he had lighted
a lantern and was moving about within the empty rooms.

Softly as man could go, I followed him. Crouching in the doorway, with
ear turned to the emptiness within, I listened. And as I did so, I
felt the chill run through my blood and stiffen the hair on my head,
for he was talking as he walked, and his tones were affable and
persuasive, as if two ghosts roamed noiselessly at his side and he
were showing them as in the days of yore, the beauties of his nearly
completed home.

"An ample parlor, you see," came in distinct, suave monotone to my
ear. "Room enough for many a couple on gala nights, as even sweet
Mistress Juliet will say. Do you like this fireplace, and will there
be space enough here for the portrait which Lawrence has promised to
make of young Madam Day? I do not like too much light myself, so I
have ordered curtains to be hung here. But if Mistress Juliet prefers
the sunshine, we will tell the men nay, for all is to be according to
your will, fair lady, as you must know, being here. Pardon me, that
was an evil step; you should have a quick eye for such mishaps, friend
Orrin, and not leave it to my courtesy to hold out a helping hand. Ah!
you like this dusky nook. It was made for a sweet young bride to hide
in when her heart's fulness demands quiet and rest. Do the trees come
too near the lattice? If so they shall be trimmed away. And this
dining-parlor--Can